CPM has suspended party MP Ritabrata Banerjee for three months over his lavish lifestyle, according to reports. The decision was taken after party’s state committee meeting in Kolkata. CPIM state secretary Surya Kanta Mishra has announced the decision, according to local daily Ebela report. According to the report, party was not satisfied with the conduct of the Rajya Sabha MP during Left’s Nabanna Chalo (march to the state secretariat) last month. This comes months after a party member raised questions on Banerjees using costly gadgets like an Apple watch and Mont Blanc pen. Subsequently, the MP allegedly wrote to the member’s employer complaining against him.

Earlier, in February the CPIM had cautioned Banerjee after controversy had erupted involving the party Rajya Sabha MP in the social media. CPIM general secretary Sitaram Yechury had then said that the party would soon come up with guidelines on the use of social media both at the state level and national level on matters relating to the party, the PTI report said.

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As per new rules, while party members can propagate decision taken by the party on social media, they should not make comments on issues that the party is yet to decide on. On the issue of lodging complaint or airing grievances by party members against any other comrade, Yechury said that such complaints should be made in the party forum and not on the social media, according to PTI report.

Earlier, Banerjee had expressed concern over the misuse of sedition and anti-terror laws against human rights and political activitists and relgious minorities. The MP had said these charges were being used recklessly and with a political motive. Banerjee also had said that sedition charges as well as the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) were being slapped in a wrong manner.